For HMO landlords, voids aren’t just inconvenient—they’re expensive. Every empty room means lost rent, higher marketing costs, and added stress. At Nouveau Living, we’ve developed a strategy that keeps our student HMOs consistently occupied. Here’s our approach.
Market Ahead of Time
We don’t wait until summer to start advertising. Our marketing begins 6–9 months in advance, while students are actively planning the next academic year. This timing ensures we’re top of mind before competitors.
Professional Presentation
Students (and guarantors) make decisions fast based on what they see online. We invest in:
Staged photography & videos
Clear, student-friendly listings
Accurate floor plans and room details
Full Virtual house tours & room tours
This upfront work creates trust and generates quicker bookings.
Streamlined Tenant Experience
From enquiry to signed tenancy, the process is seamless. We use holding deposit agreements, digital ASTs, and guarantor deeds so students secure rooms without hassle. A smooth onboarding = fewer dropouts.
Tenant Retention
Minimising voids isn’t just about new tenants—it’s about keeping the good ones. We:
Offer renewal options early
Maintain properties proactively
Build strong communication through easy-to-use platforms, such as COHO or Whatsapp groups
Many of our tenants renew for another year, reducing turnover.
Pricing & Incentives
We keep pricing realistic and competitive by researching the market regularly. Small incentives (like including bills, regular cleaning, or garden maintenance) make our HMOs more attractive than “cheaper but bare” alternatives.
The Nouveau Way
Voids will always be a risk, but they don’t have to be inevitable. By combining timing, presentation, tenant care, and clear systems, we’ve built a model that keeps properties full year after year.
